The efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy on the core symptoms of bulimia nervosa

Abstract

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is widely regarded as the treatment of choice for bulimia nervosa (BN), with previous reviews of the CBT outcome literature claiming an approximate 40%-50% recovery rate. Most of these reviews have focused on reductions of binge eating and purging; however, the cognitive model of BN that underlies the CBT approach identifies three additional symptoms as central to the disorder: restrictive eating, concerns with shape and weight, and self-esteem. The purpose of this review was to determine the effect of CBT on the five core symptoms of BN, particularly those neglected in previous reviews. This review found that while most studies provided outcome data on binge eating, purgative behavior, and concern with shape and weight, fewer studies provided data on restraint and self-esteem. While generally favorable, evidence for the efficacy of CBT on the core symptoms of BN was mixed, depending on the outcome measures used. Shortcomings in the literature are identified and suggestions to correct these shortcomings are provided.